How Many People Actually Use Ergonomic Keyboards?

How many people reading this article work in front of a computer all day? A few? Ok, how many of us work in front of one for most of the day? A few more? Got any serious gamers out there? How much time do you spend in front of your machine? A better question might be how many hours each day do you spend using your keyboard?

I ask because I am concerned about your health. Specifically, I am worried about your wrists. Chances are good that if you use a standard keyboard for more than several hours a day for at least 3 days during the week then you probably have experienced some type of pain before. How to prevent this, you ask? Well, the obvious answer is to stop using your keyboard. But that isn’t very helpful is it?

Maybe you should try an ergonomic keyboard. Now, if you just want something similar to what you are use to I would suggest a nice curved keyboard from Microsoft. (or Logitech or Kensington if you prefer) This type of keyboard is a little bit better than your standard rectangular keyboard. However, if you want something a bit more comfortable then look for a split keyboard. These types often have more padding, more elevation and feel more natural against your palms.

This is the type I have at work. Since I am a programmer I spend quite a bit of time typing. Now, this keyboard does relieve a lot of the pain I use to suffer from, but it does take a bit to get used to. The break in the keys feels comfortable after a while but for that first week or two your typing speed will be cut in half. So be prepared for that adjustment.

Of course, if you have the money then I would suggest one of these extreme keyboards. I use the word “extreme” because that accurately describes both the shape and the price. Personally $400 for a keyboard is a bit much for me, but hey, for you, it might be a steal!

I bring this up because, while I find Apple’s keyboards very cool, very smooth and very white, I also find them very uncomfortable. Or, at least uncomfortable enough to prevent me from doing any serious typing on one. The same can be said of Apple’s mouse. It is nice for those users who really like mice, but it isn’t for me. First, it doesn’t have enough buttons. And second, like all mice, it tends to hurt my wrist after prolonged usage.

So, at my desk, I always have a nice trackball handy. I realize, of course, that trackballs aren’t for everyone. But if you doing a serious amount of typing then it really is worth your time to walk into a nearby computer store and check out some of their more expensive trackballs. Because trackballs are manipulated with either your thumb or your pointer, middle and ring fingers, it relieves some of the stress on your wrist.

So, if you just can’t bring yourself to disturb the feng shui of your workspace by removing Apple’s stock keyboard and mouse then don’t. Go ahead and preserve the symmetry of your desk. But if your hands have been hurting more than they should lately then please consider a nice ergonomic keyboard and a large trackball. It will cost you a little more than $100 for both of them but the price is well worth it.

I assure you, the wrist and arm/hand pain is not “mysterious”. It is real, it is called “carpal tunnel syndrome”, and I have had surgery on both hands to alleviate it. Some people are simply more apt to get it, and there is no way to tell with any certainty who those people are.

I type “properly” and have used ergonomic keyboards and do exercises. However, I still had the problems.

Step one is to actually replace the shoddy excuse of a keyboard Apple packs in these days with a quality input device, either a Matias TactilePro ($150, pretty) or an old Apple Extended II + iMate ADB adaptor (should be around $30 total, beige monster). This is a must if you use your keyboard for anything but gaming. The problem I have with “ergonomic” keyboards is that they get in the way if you are using your mouse a lot. If you are just typing - fine. But if you mouse with one hand and operate shortcuts with the other, chances are that you will have to move one hand over the “hill” of the ergo-keyboard a lot.

this column is speaking exactly to my current issue. I have been using Microsoft ergonomic (‘natural’) keyboards for years, even when I was on windows. This year, when I switched to Tiger my ‘wireless optical pro’ software crashes my spotlight and search functions with a file it inserts in the general library preferences. so I can no longer use this keyboard. I cannot find any similar one that will run on Tiger. It seems the logitech ones are not supported on mac, Addesso no longer makes the ‘humped’ keyboard for mac, I am very deperate to get back to a humped keyboard that I can use. Particularly after more than ten years of using one, it hurts my wrists to type on a flat keyboard. Does anyone know of any specific models that will work?

Step one is to actually replace the shoddy excuse of a keyboard Apple packs in these days with a quality input device

I recently switched my wife to a Mac mini and her biggest complaint is the Apple keyboard. She was using a Windows Natural, which she loved, but it used a serial port. I guess I have to find an adapter.

I have been using standard Mac keyboards and mice since way back in the IIcx era and I have never suffered from this mysterious wrist and arm/hand pain so many complain of…
It could be because, like me, you dont spent much time working with computers. For programmers is completely different.

Here are some good techniques:
* Keep the wrist in a neutral position: parallel to your desk and the middle finger must be in line with the wrist and forearm.
* Don’t rest your wrist while typing, let it float. Only rest your wrist while you are NOT typing.
* Use a light touch when pressing keys.
* Don’t stretch your fingers to reach for faraway keys. Instead move your arm to position your finger over the key and then hit it.
* Do not hold your thumbs rigid or your pinkies up. Curve your fingers.
* Don’t use two fingers of one hand for two-key combinations. Use one finger of one hand to hold Shift, Ctrl, or Alt down, and then hit the second key with a finger from the other hand.

doesn’t the mighty mouse have a mini trackball and 4 or 5 buttons? seems like a lot for me.
BTW, am I the only one that thinks that lately “Apple Matters” is taking every opportunity to bash Apple. Every article seems to have something negative to say - its quite tiring hearing the same old same old.

This is the type I have at work. Since I am a programmer I spend quite a bit of time typing. Now, this keyboard does relieve a lot of the pain I use to suffer from, but it does take a bit to get used to. The break in the keys feels comfortable after a while but for that first week or two your typing speed will be cut in half. So be prepared for that adjustment.

Of course, if you have the money then I would suggest one of these extreme keyboards. I use the word “extreme” because that accurately describes both the shape and the price. Personally $400 for a keyboard is a bit much for me, but hey, for you, it might be a steal! Richest People